iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro Modem Specs Leak Online

[MacRumors]

Apple's internal code suggests the iPhone 17e may ship with Apple's first-generation C1-series cellular modem technology, while omitting Apple's N1 wireless chip, and it indicates Apple is still deciding between the C1X and C2 for the iPhone 18 Pro.

These details came from a version of a Kernel Debut Kit for macOS that was not supposed to be released to the public — it was later pulled by Apple.

For the iPhone 17e, the code showed the device may be equipped with either the C1 or C1X modem, but no N1 wireless chip. The Information today reported that the device will use the C1X modem, which would be a natural progression over the C1 chip in the iPhone 16e.

The omission of the N1 wireless chip may be consequential, since without N1 the iPhone 17e may lack Thread support, even if it uses an Apple-designed cellular baseband.

For Apple's next Pro iPhones, the internal code points to a less settled picture. The iPhone 18 Pro is listed in separate rows with both C1X and C2 basebands, indicating Apple had not fully committed to the C2 across all configurations at the time the kernel debug kit was created. Apple seemingly intends N1 to be present on in the Pro models even while the baseband choice was still being evaluated.

Since this information was sourced from Apple's internal code, there is no guarantee these are the finalized specs. The iPhone 17e is expected to launch in the spring of 2026, while the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in the fall.

Article Link: iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro Modem Specs Leak Online

 

[Hammerd]

I’d rather have a Qualcomm x85

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wish we could get a 17e Mini

 

[zenmacx]

I wish we could get a 17e Mini

I concur.

As much as I enjoy my basic 16e, I would greatly prefer a 17e Mini.

Hello Apple?
We want an iPhone 17e Mini.

 

[Black.Infinity]

Considering chips designed by Apple are power-efficient, I am all for cellular modem chips designed by Apple. 😃

 

[Wanted797]

I concur.

As much as I enjoy my basic 16e, I would greatly prefer a 17e Mini.

Hello Apple?
We want an iPhone 17e Mini.

I also concur.

Still using the 13 mini. I don’t want to give it up. They makes new one I’d be tempted too very soon.

 

[jz0309]

So since this alleged prototype was running a very early version of the beta iOS, it is probably safe to assume that all of this "daya" is at least 6 months old, right? Given that the first developer beta came out in July ...

 

[jntdroid]

I’d rather have a Qualcomm x85

I don't know - the C1 in the 16e has been very solid, and definitely helps with the battery. It's not as fast in top speeds, but it seems to be just as (if not more) reliable in weak areas, and if it's more battery efficient on top of that, I'll take it. I don't care if I'm getting 80gb down vs 40gb down... Obviously the X85 could improve in efficiency as well, but the C line is solid so far.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Why omit N1? I’ve found it quite good in the new phone. They finally brought everything fully up to date and in house, I don’t know why they wouldn’t put it everywhere.

 

[platinumaqua]

I wish we could get a 17e Mini

I like the elegant single camera look of 16e. I would definitely buy one if it was smaller (mini sized).

 

[johannnn]

I wish we could get a 17e Mini

You and all the other 50 people that bought the Mini back a few years ago lol

 

[AusMness]

I don’t think putting C1X in next year’s Pro is an option due to the missing mmWave support

 

[bmark]

So Apple is admitting their N1 wireless chip is sub par!

 

[ort888]

I won't buy any iPhone that doesn't include MagSafe.

 

[smithrh]

I won't buy any iPhone that doesn't include MagSafe.

While it would be very nice for an iPhone to have MagSafe for more than a few reasons, the EU would not be happy and right now Apple is not going to go down that path.

 

[bodonnell202]

Maybe C2 adds mmWave support but no speed advantage versus the C1X in sub-6 Ghz spectrum? In that case the C2 may only ship in the 18 Pro series in markets with mmWave support while other markets will get the C1X.

 

[d5aqoëp]

I don’t think putting C1X in next year’s Pro is an option due to the missing mmWave support

mmWave is on it’s way out. A failed technology and almost no one in the world uses it.

 

[jimbojoho]

Can someone with more knowledge than me explain why details of iPhone software/hardware is in a Kernal Debut Kit for macOS?

 

[turbineseaplane]

You and all the other 50 people that bought the Mini back a few years ago lol

Yep! We are out here hoping!

 

[winxmac]

Can someone with more knowledge than me explain why details of iPhone software/hardware is in a Kernal Debut Kit for macOS?

I wouldn't say I have more knowledge than you regarding this matter, but I just think it's because macOS [Mac] is what is used to recover/restore/upgrade iOS [iPhone] and iPadOS [iPad]

Apple should revive the iPhone 13 mini with updated specifications and call it the new iPhone SE while still releasing the e model. I also believe that iPhone 18e or iPhone 19e is the successor of iPhone 16e

 

[ort888]

While it would be very nice for an iPhone to have MagSafe for more than a few reasons, the EU would not be happy and right now Apple is not going to go down that path.

I mean the MagSafe ring on the back that's been on every phone since the 12 except for the 16e. I would probably get that model for my kids, but with no MagSafe it's a no go.

The 17e should have MagSafe.

 

[bmark]

Why omit N1? I’ve found it quite good in the new phone. They finally brought everything fully up to date and in house, I don’t know why they wouldn’t put it everywhere.

N1 chip has wifi disconnection issues. Also it's skipping the full 320MHz WI-FI 7 channel width.

 

[smithrh]

mmWave is on it’s way out. A failed technology and almost no one in the world uses it.

Uh, no.

It is absolutely niche and it was for sure overhyped but deployment by carriers is continuing.

As carriers learn what it can and can't do, deployment will be tweaked but there are absolutely applications for this technology.

It's not a worldwide deployment to be sure, but calling it failed and saying almost no one uses it are reaches.

 

[Rychiar]

does anyone care about having thread on their phone? it made no different when they added it to the 15 and the thread stuff in my house all runs like **** regardless

 

[SmugMaverick]

I won't buy an iPhone without the C1X or C2 now after using the Air, it's so much better in my area and nearby rural places that struggled to even get 4G before.

My 15-17 Pros have been dog do do where I am, very impressed with the C1X 👍